MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Subaru WRX

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Subaru WRX

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
24Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE SUBARU WRX

The Subaru WRX is a performance-focused compact sedan that occupies a unique niche in the American market, blending everyday practicality with genuine sporting intent. Aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want all-weather capability alongside turbocharged performance, the WRX has built a loyal following across generations. This review covers the 2019 through 2025 model years and zeroes in on what matters most here at MotorCaliber: how safely it protects you and your passengers.

VERDICT

The 2022 Subaru WRX earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally praise the WRX for its engaging driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive, and strong road-holding capability. Most consider it a benchmark in the affordable performance sedan category. Some reviewers note that the interior quality and ride comfort take a back seat to outright driver involvement, positioning the WRX as a driver-first, comfort-second proposition.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17036

Index breakdown

Crash protection70/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record16.5/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL23V016000

Risk: Incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function contained in the owner's manual may cause the lights to not be adjusted as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-23.

Reported 2023-01-23

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
1reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 15Unknown Or Other 4Power Train 3Air Bags 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2Electrical System 2

Other WRX years

Rivals in Sedan (2022)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17036), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Subaru Wrx 2022. Class rank 25 of 90 in Sedan 2022. Methodology · Disclosure